Next steps

Given the promising early research findings about bystander focused prevention...where do we go from here? We certainly need more research about how it works. In particular, few studies to date have examined the impact of these prevention tools on behavior and on sexual assault victimization and perpetration. This is an important area for future study and collaborations between practitioners and researchers. Further - how do we time bystander prevention - we know that prevention of sexual violence requires a multi-dimensional approach - is there a better time for a bystander component? Is it effective with first year students in college or better later in the college years? What does bystander prevention look like in community settings?

I've received questions from preventionists about how they can implement bystander programs for younger audiences (elementary school age). Are there any programs geared toward this age group? If not, perhaps that is something to consider for next steps.

I don't know this literature very well though I do know that bullying prevention has been using a bystander framework for a while. Not sure if some of those programs focus on younger aged children. A good idea.

Thank you everyone for your questions and comments. The Live xCHANGE will be ending at 3:30 PM EST. Continued discussion on bystander intervention will occur through the xCHANGE forum through April 15, 2011. At this time, the forum will not be a real time discussion but the forum will be open for questions, responses and comments. The NSVRC will respond daily to posts.

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